'Special' youngster is already making a big impression on Liverpool's first-team players in training - opinion
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Liverpool are beginning to get some of their injured options coming back to full fitness.
The Reds have dealt well with some important absentees so far this season, with players such as Caoimhin Kelleher stepping up and delivering.
Alisson Becker is set to miss the Real Madrid clash on Wednesday, with Kelleher needed for a couple more matches at least.
In the meantime, other members of the Liverpool squad have started to return alongside Alisson.
Diogo Jota was spotted in training on Friday, while Federico Chiesa looked delighted to be back as well.
One Liverpool player who has perhaps gone under the radar as being missing so far this season has been Jayden Danns. But along with Jota and Chiesa, the 18-year-old was another returning – and making an impression – on Friday.
Jayden Danns makes impression on first-team stars
Danns has missed the entirety of the season so far. After breaking through and making five appearances for the senior side last term, it has been a frustrating period for the Scouser.
Danns was slated to move on-loan during the summer, but injury put paid to his chances of a move to get regular first-team football.
Instead, the Liverpool academy youngster could now be given an opportunity under Arne Slot. With Jota still unavailable, Slot has few options to play through the middle of his attack. He could do with an understudy to Darwin Nunez.
Having trained on Friday, Danns is clearly coming into the thinking of the Liverpool head coach.
READ MORE: The six most exciting young players coming through the Liverpool academy
And judging by a clip put out by Liverpool’s official X account from before the session started, the big-haired striker is catching the eye of his senior teammates.
“Hey Jayden! Bro, don’t tell me you will train like that?” says Ibrahima Konate, as the camera pans to a shorts and t-shirt clad Danns. “I overheat, I get too hot in jumpers,” replies the youngster.
“You will train like that?! Here, take mine, take this,” says Konate, offering his gloves. “Bro, you are crazy.” “Bro, he’s going outside like this?!” agrees Ryan Gravenberch, motioning in disbelief towards Danns.
Jayden Danns ready for first-team chance
Although Danns would rather the first-teamers be talking about his abilities with the ball, this is still one way to get your name out there.
Of course, the senior players will all already be well aware of Danns after his exploits last season.
Jurgen Klopp called Danns a ‘special’ talent after he fired in two goals at Anfield while playing against Southampton in Febuary.
And although featuring against the same opponents may be too soon for Danns on Sunday, it will be interesting to see whether he at least makes the matchday squad.
From there, it’s only a short step up to getting on the pitch. Danns has already proven he can do damage when given the chance, and if he can keep his name in the thoughts of Slot and his Liverpool colleagues, he can surely do the same again soon.
